This gene encodes a flavin adenine dinucleotide-binding protein that is a key component of the circadian core oscillator complex, which regulates the circadian clock. This gene is upregulated by Clock/Arntl heterodimers but then represses this upregulation in a feedback loop using Per/Cry heterodime
rs to interact with Clock/Arntl. Polymorphisms in this gene have been associated with altered sleep patterns. The encoded protein is widely conserved across plants and animals. Loss of this gene results in a shortened circadian cycle in complete darkness. [provided by RefSeq, Feb 2014]
The protein encoded by this gene is a basic helix-loop-helix protein that forms a heterodimer with Clock. This heterodimer binds E-box enhancer elements upstream of Period (Per1, Per2, Per3) and Cryptochrome (Cry1, Cry2) genes and activates transcription of thes
e genes. Per and Cry proteins heterodimerize and repress their own transcription by interacting in a feedback loop with Clock/Arntl complexes. Defects in this gene have been linked to infertility, problems with gluconeogenesis and lipogenesis, and altered sleep patterns. Two transcript variants encoding different isoforms have been found for this gene. [provided by RefSeq, Jan 2014]
The protein encoded by this gene plays a central role in the regulation of circadian rhythms. The protein encodes a transcription factor of the basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) family and contains DNA binding histone acetyltransferase activity. The encoded protein forms a heterodimer with Arntl (Bmal1)
that binds E-box enhancer elements upstream of Period (Per1, Per2, Per3) and Cryptochrome (Cry1, Cry2) genes and activates transcription of these genes. Per and Cry proteins heterodimerize and repress their own transcription by interacting in a feedback loop with Clock/Arntl complexes. Polymorphisms in this gene may be associated with behavioral changes, obesity, and metabolic syndrome. Two transcripts encoding the same protein have been found for this gene. [provided by RefSeq, Jan 2014]